Kaneakua Friel
Tight End 82
Ht/Wt
6'
5"
|
261 lbs.
Class
Senior
Hometown
Kaneohe, 
Hawaii
Last School
Kamehameha High School
Roster Years
2007-2008 | 2011-2013


Career Summary

Kaneakua Friel came to BYU as an All-State selection from Hawai'i. As a four-time letterman, he played in 45 games with 22 starts. He tallied 491 career yards on 48 receptions. Friel caught a career-long 25-yard reception while logging a total of 101 total yards and two touchdowns against Washington State in 2012. He registered 14 games during his career with two or more receptions and helped BYU to a No. 13 national ranking in total offense in 2013. Friel garnered several accolades as a Cougar, including all-independent honors and nominations to national watch lists. See the season summary tabs below and the recognition and stats tabs for more details. 

Professional

  • Received minicamp invitation from the Dallas Cowboys in 2014

Personal

  • Served in the South Africa Durban Mission for the LDS Church
  • Eagle Scout
  • Exercise science major

Before BYU

  • Under the direction of head coach Kanani Souza, helped lead the Warriors to an 8-3 record as a senior
  • A Honolulu Star-Bulletin All-State selection
  • Recruited by Boise State, Oregon and Nevada
BYU Hall of Fame

Freshman Year 2008

  • Earned letterman honors as a redshirt freshman
  • Saw action in eight games, including one start against New Mexico
  • Recorded one solo tackle against UNLV
Sophmore Year 2011

  • Earned letterman honors
  • Played in 12 games
  • Finished with seven catches for 55 yards and a touchdown on the year
  • First career catch was an eight-yard touchdown at Oregon State
  • Had two receptions for 20 yards vs. New Mexico State and three receptions for 17 yards at Hawai'i
Junior Year 2012

  • Earned letterman honors
  • Started all 13 games
  • Finished second on the team with five touchdown receptions
  • Fourth on the team with 30 receptions and 308 yards
  • Started season opener with six receptions, 101 yards and two touchdowns
  • Recorded a reception in nine games
  • FBS Independent Offensive Player of the Week, week of Sept. 3
  • College Football Performane Awards National Tigth End of the Week, week of Sept. 3
Senior Year 2013

  • Named to the 2013 CFPA Tight End Trophy Watch List
  • Named to the John Mackey Award Watch List
  • Hauled in a 24-yard catch in win over Houston
  • Tallied three receptions for 53 yards against Boise State
  • Played in 12 games (missed one due to injury) and started seven
  • Named to the College Sports Madness All-Independent Third Team
Graduate Year

Redshirt Year 2007

  • Member of the scout team.
Medical Redshirt Year 2007

  • Member of the scout team.